Metadata: This article explains the causes and liability of rear-end collisions, who are usually at fault, and what to do after an accident.
Rear-end collisions happen often on Austin’s roads. Distractions like texting, speeding, aggressive driving, or bad weather usually cause them.
If you’ve been hit from behind or caused the crash, know you’re not alone. These accidents are common, and knowing what to do next is important for protecting yourself and understanding your rights.
Rear-end collisions account for 29% of all car accidents in the U.S., according to the NHTSA.
You need to know what happens next when another vehicle hits you from the rear. Who is liable? What are your legal rights? This article discusses how the fault will be determined in rear-end collisions and how you can protect yourself legally.
What Causes Rear-End Collisions?
Rear-end collisions can happen for many reasons; some are more common than others. One major cause is tailgating, which occurs when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle. If the car in front suddenly stops, the driver behind might not have enough time to react and brake safely.
Another reason for rear-end collisions is distraction caused by activities such as texting, phone talks, eating, or anything else that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. Roads are closed with laws against texting, yet thousands of distracted driving accidents happen annually.
High speed is another reason that causes rear-end collisions. A speeding driver has limited time to react to changes in traffic and needs more space to stop the car. Sudden stops of the car ahead can catch the drivers directly behind, especially if they are too close and are not paying attention.
Poor weather conditions, especially rain, snow, or ice, can further make the road slick and lengthen the time a vehicle takes to stop or even maintain control.
Faulty brakes can also cause accidents. When brakes are defective in a vehicle, the driver loses the ability to stop in time to avoid a crash. Controlled but impaired driving caused by alcohol, drugs, and sometimes even drowsiness diminishes the driver’s time for reaction apart from misjudging distances.
Similar effects are those resulting from a person being tired—slower recognition and reaction to hazardous situations in front.
Generally, the at-fault party is always the driver who collides with another vehicle from behind. This is because the compulsory standard is to keep a safe distance from the car in front of all vehicles so that if it brakes suddenly, a driver can stop in time.
If, indeed, a driver is paying attention and keeping a safe distance, they should be able to stop in time and avoid hitting the car in front.
Determining Fault and the Investigation Process in Rear-End Collisions
Determining fault in a rear-end collision typically involves proving negligence—showing that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident. All states have something different when it comes to laws for determining fault.
Some states follow the complete fault system, while others use comparative negligence. It is very important, therefore, to contact a local rear-end car accident lawyer so that you may understand how the states apply to your case.
The investigation involves gathering some key evidence, which will be important to affirm your rights and prove fault. The key elements of evidence, such as police reports, will serve as an official document of the accident and all the violations.
Additionally, witness statements will show the incident from a third-party perspective. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and skid marks are paramount to illustrate conditions and impacts during the incident.
In addition, traffic camera footage, if ever found, can also be essential in showing the actions of both vehicles before the crash, which helps determine liability.
If you rear-end another vehicle but believe you aren’t at fault, it’s essential to contact a lawyer to guide you through the legal process. A lawyer will tell you how to best defend yourself, ensure your rights are protected, and advise on the next steps.
You need to document everything—from taking pictures to collecting witnesses’ information and their accounts regarding the incident. When talking with authorities, provide an accurate account of events but avoid admitting fault.
You should contact a lawyer if you think it was not your fault and the other driver has also caused damage, if the other party is wrongly blaming you, or if you are injured or damage is substantial.
Lawyers can also intervene if you’re not entirely aware of how the legal process goes, how dealing with insurance companies works, or how you can be sure you are compensated fairly or defended against unjust claims.
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Conclusion
Determining fault can be tricky in rear-end collisions, but understanding negligence and your rights is key to navigating the process.
A good investigation should make the responsible party accountable, and you can focus on the things that matter most: getting the support and compensation you deserve.
Don’t face this alone—reach out to an experienced lawyer who can help you every step of the way!
